CHOIR VISITS ST. MARY’S

Thirty seven members of The Malcolm Sargent Festival Choir were present in the Parish Church of St. Mary’s, Woodbridge, to sing Evensong on Sunday,
4th May 2008. Between their weekend visits to Blythburgh and Aldeburgh, this well known choir gave their time and talents to raise funds for the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Care Fund for Children, to whom the collection was donated.
In the large congregation were Sylvia Darley OBE, founder of the charity in 1968, former secretary to Sir Malcolm Sargent and now chairman of the organisation. Also present was the family of the late Capt. Robin Sheepshanks, who had connections with the choir.

Choir members come from all over the country and are an enthusiastic group of amateur singers with a love of Choral Music. They have performed in many famous venues, here and abroad. The newly formed ‘Friends of the Malcolm Sergeant Festival Choir’ are delighted to welcome Julian Lloyd Webber as their first President.

Led by their conductor, Simon Over, and accompanied on the organ by Nicholas O’Neill, their voices filled this beautiful Church with equally beautiful singing. The anthem, ‘How lovely are thy dwellings fair’ was particularly memorable and felt so appropriate for this setting.

The service was led by the Rector, Revd. Kevan S. McCormack and the preacher was the Assistant Curate, Revd. Paul G. Hambling.

Choir members had enjoyed tea and cakes with members of the congregation during the afternoon, following a talk and slideshow given by the churchwarden, Mr. Michael Stagg.

A thoroughly pleasant way to spend a Bank Holiday Sunday evening! Everyone at St. Mary’s was honoured to host this fund raising event for such a worthy cause.